Vehicle Details
- Dealer
- Canepa
- Location
- Scotts Valley, California, United States
- Mileage
- -
- Transmission
- 4 SPEED MANUAL
- Exterior color
- RED/WHITE
Overview
Introduction
The 1968 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am is a unique piece of American racing history. This car, once a Camaro, was transformed to wear Pontiac's Firebird panels and went on to achieve significant racing success, including a class win and third overall at the 1969 24 Hours of Daytona.
Racing History and Development
Jerry Titus, a seasoned and successful racer, partnered with Canadian Terry Godsall to form TG Racing, aiming to compete in the Trans Am series with a Pontiac Firebird. However, due to Pontiac's lack of a suitable powerplant, Titus and Godsall came up with a creative solution. They purchased a Camaro from Jon Ward, which had been performing well in the series, and replaced its body with that of a Pontiac Firebird, creating a Chevrolet-powered Pontiac that was technically eligible to compete in the Trans Am series.
The car's development was marked by innovation, including the implementation of 'zero-bump-steer' technology, a pioneering steering system. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Titus/Ward car demonstrated remarkable resilience and performance, setting a lap record at Pacific Raceways before being sidelined by engine failure.
The 1969 24 Hours of Daytona
The car's most notable achievement came at the 1969 24 Hours of Daytona, where Titus and Ward, supported by a minimal crew, took on the world's top racing teams. Qualifying 16th, they witnessed the leaders, including Porsche and Lola, suffer mechanical issues and accidents, allowing the Titus/Ward car to climb the ranks. A rear-end failure threatened to end their race, but the team's resourcefulness, including 'borrowing' a rear end from a Camaro in the parking lot, enabled them to continue and ultimately finish third overall, a testament to their determination and the car's endurance.
Legacy and Significance
The Jerry Titus Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am represents a thrilling chapter in the history of Trans Am racing. Its story is also a poignant reminder of Jerry Titus's remarkable career, marked by his final victory at the 1969 Daytona race. This car serves as a tribute to Titus's skill, perseverance, and innovative spirit, offering a unique glimpse into the golden era of American racing.
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